We are heartened to learn that the open seats on two of Harvard’s most important boards will be contested at town election on April 30. Three candidates will compete for two three-year positions on the Board of Selectmen, and four candidates have entered the race for a one-year and a three-year seat on the Planning Board.
The Selectmen are, in law and practice, our executive branch of government, charged with carrying out the wishes of Town Meeting and overseeing the administration of our finances and public services. The Planning Board is both futurist and preservationist in its purpose, responsible for the town’s protective and zoning bylaws, adjusting them as the times require, while providing a forward-looking vision of the town’s future through a periodically updated master plan that reflects the will of its residents.
We encourage voters to take the time to inform themselves of the issues both boards will face over the next few years and to question the candidates on their knowledge, experience, and positions on upcoming decisions they will be asked to make should they be elected.
Given the frustration volunteers have experienced getting support from town officials, we also think voters should ask candidates what they will do to make serving on volunteer boards and committees a less onerous experience.
The Press and the League of Women Voters of Harvard will be hosting a candidates’ debate in April. And, of course, we will continue to do our best to cover the campaigns and the issues as thoroughly as paper and ink permit.
